FLORIDA PARK RANGER TALKS PLANTS & SURVIVAL AT UPCOMING LECTURE

In this talk, Herald will showcase the significance of flora found in the Florida Keys by connecting native plants, survival skills and indigenous uses. CONTRIBUTED

The History of Diving Museum’s Immerse Yourself lecture features park ranger Chris Herald on native plants and survival on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. 

Herald is a ranger for the Islamorada area state parks, which encompass Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park, Indian Key Historic State Park, Lignumvitae Key Botanical State Park and San Pedro Underwater Archeological Preserve State Park. Born and raised in Tampa, Herald worked at a living history museum, interpreting historic farm techniques to youths and adults. This experience gave way to his decision to pursue a career with the Florida Park Service where he could fulfill his passion for teaching while helping to protect Florida’s natural resources.

In this talk, Herald will showcase the significance of flora found in the Florida Keys by connecting native plants, survival skills and indigenous uses. This presentation will complement the art and displays which celebrate the coastal flora in the museum’s new featured exhibit, Dive Into Art: Edge of the Sea. Designed to introduce all levels to native flora of the Keys, the program eases participants into learning basic plant identification, distribution and uses. 

Gluten-free jellies made from sea grape, prickly pear cactus, and papaya will be available to taste after the program. 

The last ticket to see the exhibits will be sold at 6:15 p.m.

Reserve a seat by calling the museum at 305-664-9737 or emailing the community outreach team at programs@divingmuseum.org. To register for the Zoom meeting, visit divingmuseum.org. For those unable to attend in-person or virtually, the session will be recorded and posted to the HDM YouTube channel. This month’s Immerse Yourself sponsor is Dutton Law Group.